"Girls Night Out"

As I sat recently with a group of women in a social gathering I was saddened at what was occurring around me as these women visited. At one time in my life I was in disbelief that women could be so unsupportive of one another. Sadly I have lived long enough now & been in enough social settings to be told they could, experience they could, and at times find myself joining in.

“Girls Night Out” should be refreshing and uplifting. After spending an evening with other women I hope to come home re-energized and supported. Sadly, I am learning more often than not I come home from a time spent with other women, exhausted, drained and discouraged.

Why do women feel the need to compare themselves to another by “one-upping” as we share about our lives? Why do we feel the need to criticize and make fun of another for using their time & talents to serve others? Why do we feel that we know what is best for one another’s children & family? Why do we ungratefully complain about the “junk” that is in a delicious & lovingly made food item while we stuff it in our faces? Why do we approach another’s challenges with ALL the answers?

What happened to words of comfort, words of encouragement, words of support & congratulations? What happened to the notion that everyone has the ability to choose for themselves? What happened to the idea that everyone has different talents, abilities & interests?

Do we as women spend so many hours being “mom” that we forget how to be a supportive friend? Do we spend so much time sacrificing for our children that when we get around adults we feel it is the time to think only of ourselves and become unaware of others and their feelings? Are we that unhappy with our lives that it trickles out into every conversation?

I understand that everyone’s life experiences are different and those life experiences shape who we are and how we view life. I understand that we are all on different places on the path & that we all are allowed to have a “bad day”. But I believe that as women we have also bought into Satan’s lies that we “aren’t enough”, that we have to “be the best” & “have the most”. 

It is part of the plan for Satan to be able to bruise our heals, but as women I think we forget that we were blessed with the power to crush his head. Perhaps, we should the channel the energy we use on each other on Satan and his silly lies instead! 

I believe that as we gain an understanding of our true identity as a beloved daughter of God we gain the strength to no longer give into Satan’s lies. As we allow ourselves to feel the love of Christ we won’t feel the need to judge, compare or belittle. But instead we will feel the need to comfort, support, strengthen, sympathize, empathize, encourage, appreciate & compliment.

And then when the next "Girls Night Out" comes around we can all return home with greater love in our hearts, a brighter light in our minds and the strength to press onward!